5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

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5-HTP has been found to provide a number of health benefits including improved mood, improved sleep, better concentration and mental focus, and more. It converts internally into a specialist neurotransmitter known as serotonin. This serotonin passes signals between the cells in your brain and helps to regulate your mood and mental well-being. Read the full product description for more information.

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5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

5-HTP has been found to provide a number of health benefits including improved mood, improved sleep, better concentration and mental focus, and more. It converts internally into a specialist neurotransmitter known as serotonin. This serotonin passes signals between the cells in your brain and helps to regulate your mood and mental well-being. Read the full product description for more information.

What is 5-HTP?

5-HTP, or 5-Hydroxytryptophan, is actually a chemical by-product from an amino acid known as L-Trytophan. Put simply, it is a chemically modified version of Tryptophan. 5-HTP has been found to provide a number of benefits to the human body, especially when it comes to their mental health and well-being. Your body uses this compound to create a chemical known as serotonin, which is a vital neurotransmitter, particularly for when it comes to mental health.

How does it work?

Neurotransmitters are basically special chemicals found in and produced by, the brain, which transmit various signals to other parts of your body. Because of this, they have a key role in determining your overall psychological well-being and how you feel in general. Why is this important? Because 5-HTP actually converts internally into a specialist neurotransmitter which we covered earlier, known as serotonin. This serotonin passes signals between the cells in your brain and helps to regulate your mood, and mental well-being.

What are the benefits of 5-HTP?

As you’ve probably gathered by now, the main benefits of 5-HTP are psychologically-based and are based around your mental health and well-being, but even so, let’s now take a more in-depth look at some of the more prominent benefits you can expect when taking this supplement:

Improved mood

One of the main benefits of 5-HTP is the fact that it has been proven to help lift a person’s mood and make them feel better. Because of this, rather than prescription drugs, more and more people suffering with stress, anxiety, and depression, are instead using 5-HTP supplements to help improve their mental health. 5-HTP is converted by the body into serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for how we feel and function mentally. Put simply, the more serotonin we have, the better we feel.

Improved sleep

Another great benefit of this supplement is the fact that it also helps to promote a healthy night’s sleep. Once the 5-HTP has been converted into serotonin, it then helps us to relax and unwind, which in turn can promote a good night’s sleep. On top of that, serotonin actually helps us to feel sleepy once it gets dark, so again, the more there is, the easier we’ll find it to drift off at night.

Weight loss

A particularly surprising benefit associated with 5-HTP, is the fact that it does actually appear to function as a very potent and powerful weight loss supplement. In one study, two groups of people were separated and were given the same diet and exercise routines to follow for 12 weeks, with the first six weeks being a normal diet, and the second six weeks being a low calorie diet. One group took a 5-HTP supplement, whilst the other group took a placebo. The study noted that the placebo group’s weight stayed the same, whereas those taking 5-HTP, lost between 2 and 3% of their bodyweight.

Increased energy

Another great benefit of 5-HTP is the fact that it is believed to help increase a person’s energy levels by increasing their metabolism. This would also explain why it functions as an effective weight loss supplement in the process.

Better concentration and mental focus

As 5-HTP is converted into a neurotransmitter within the brain, not only does this enhance mental health and mood, it also helps to boost concentration and mental focus levels in the process.

Other benefits include:

Helps fight and prevent depression and mental health disorders

Helps promote clear-thinking and mental clarity

Increased energy levels

Improved fat loss

Promotes a good night’s sleep

Helps boost your mood

Helps boost the immune system

And more...

How and when should it be taken?

5-HTP is often found in tablet or capsule form, and should be swallowed with water, preferably on an empty stomach to assist with absorption. As far as dosages go, although it can vary depending on gender, age, and overall goals and objectives, most experts recommended one 300mg tablet to be taken once per day.

5-HTP VS L-Tryptophan

5-HTP is produced naturally from the amino acid L-Tryptophan, which can also be purchased as a supplement, so which is better? Well, whilst L-Tryptophan can still provide a number of benefits, particularly those regarding a person’s mental health and well-being, as 5-HTP is a direct precursor to serotonin, this means that it is converted much easier, much quicker, and it is much purer, so therefore, the body has less work to do in order to convert 5-HTP into serotonin as Tryptophan is a precursor to 5-HTP.

What can you stack it with?

For a potent and effective nootropical stack that helps boost brain function and mental health, many people will stack 5-HTP with L-Tyrosine, or a natural herbal supplement known as St John’s Wort. These compounds all benefit the brain and a our mental health in different ways, so for anybody dealing with mental health disorders, these types of stacks are certainly worth considering.

Potential 5-HTP side effects

Before using any new supplement, always take the time to speak with your doctor and let them know what you’re taking. Though rare, some side effects that are possible with 5-HTP include:

Dizziness

Light headedness

Diarrhea

EMS

Drowsiness

Muscle and joint problems

Serotonin syndrome

Known Adverse Reactions: Some people may experience drowsiness. Exercise caution if operating heavy machinery, driving a motor vehicle or involved in activities requiring mental alertness. Some people may experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Contraindications: Do not use if you have scleroderma.